Landscaping in Chevy Chase, MD

Local Landscaping in Chevy Chase

Chevy Chase, Maryland, spreads north of the DC line on both sides of Connecticut Avenue, made up of the Village, the Town of Chevy Chase, Martin's Additions and several numbered Sections. It is one of the region's earliest planned streetcar suburbs, and it shows: wide lawns, deep front setbacks, porches and a canopy of very old oaks and maples. Homes range from early twentieth century shingle style and Colonial Revival houses to Tudors, brick colonials and newer custom homes on rebuilt lots. Gardens tend to be traditional, with clipped hedges, brick paths and generous borders.

Owners here usually want landscapes that respect the architecture: brick or tumbled paver front walks, bluestone rear terraces, restored boxwood parterres, fresh perennial borders and soft path and facade lighting. Big trees create dense shade and root competition, so beds, lawns and hardscape must be planned around root zones. Many properties need overgrown foundation plantings replaced, failing boxwood swapped for blight-resistant alternatives, and older drainage updated as homes add rear additions and garages. Lighting is usually kept subtle, with warm path lights and gentle uplighting on specimen trees.

Parts of Chevy Chase fall within historic district boundaries, and the Village, the Town and other local jurisdictions here can set their own rules on tree removal and visible exterior work, so check before you start. Work under old trees should keep heavy equipment off root zones. Brick and bluestone details are usually matched to the house and the street. One call from Bethesda connects you with a local landscape pro who works on these streets often.